The Analogue DAC Revealed: Super Nt & Mega Sg on CRT TVs! | SmokeMonster

[@Sinisteve]

What’s the real benefit of paying 6 times the amount of an original console for super nt or mega sg to then get an adaptor to convert the video output back to analogue? Surely just getting the original hardware with a decent rgb cable would suffice?🤔

[@msamiullah001]

i guess the only console that would make sense is NES where RGB is not supported out of the box, why analogue is so stubborn not re-release NT mini in plastic shell !!!

[@Sinisteve]

Sami but even that RGB mod is cheap enough, I’d rather see them make the ultimate C64😂

[@stefanurquelle7736]

@@msamiullah001 They probably will soon. There is a lot of demand for it.

[@myyoutubeac2024]

Or Just get a MiSTer open source FGPA with IO board instead. Way better value.

[@msamiullah001]

@@myyoutubeac2024 I have it but it just not the same thing specially sound emulation is poor. I did quite a few audio tests

[@astrocapsule]

Do internet a favor and start reviewing more things please 🙏🏻 Thanks for this and all your previous works!!

[@SmokeMonster]

Aww, thanks :)

[@zizarami3270]

@@SmokeMonster Hi, is it a sony PVM 2130QM on your video ? because i have the DAC and on my sony pvm 2130QM it didn't worked, i have no image only sound when i use it on scart input of this pvm. If it's a 2130QM that we see on your video, how did you do to get an image ? is it because it's composite or do you use the scart of this pvm in RGBs ?

[@SmokeMonster]

@@zizarami3270 No, I have a Sony 2030, and a 20L2. The DAC works on both of them. You probably need to adjust the DAC's sync settings in the Super NT, and make sure you're on the latest firmware or Jailbreak.

[@zizarami3270]

@@SmokeMonster I figured it out : the SUPERIMPOSE switch on the back of the PVM was ON, i put it OFF, and now it works great : gorgeous image !! Thanks for your answer :)

[@SmokeMonster]

@@zizarami3270 Woohoo! I was hoping it was something simple :D

[@VideoGameVictims]

Analogue should really think about releasing a NES console that's comparable in price to the Mega SG and Super NT that would take advantage of compatibility with the Analogue DAC. I think it would sell extremely well.

[@SikSlayer]

I keep wondering why the NT Mini didn't have a variant with a plastic case instead of Aluminum.

[@fonarte]

If this wasn't locked to the Analogue hardware you could probably have used with the AVS. Which is price comparable to the Analogue products without the pretentious marketing and is a wonderful FPGA NES that is cheap.

[@WildVoltorb]

There's some rumors about that going on, analogue just registered some new trademarks

[@AdrianDX]

Voltorb - I seriously hope so. I’ve hit a wall with my setup when it comes to NES. An Nt Mini would solve everything, but no way am I paying the ridiculous eBay prices for one.

[@VideoGameVictims]

@@fonarte That'd be great, and I love the AVS, but it doesn't have the option to load all the different cores like the NT Mini does.

[@TheAfroman]

Excellent video. Short and sweet. Excited for what’s to come from Analogue

[@highlyevolv3d]

I’m really happy these kind of future proofing solutions are coming out by companies like analogue. I won’t need this device as I play original consoles on my CRT, but I have ordered a Super nt for my HD tv. It’s comforting to know down the line there will be authentic solutions when ageing original hardware may start failing over the next few decades.

[@RayCommend]

Nice review. What I'm hoping for is that it's not proprietary allowing for it to be used with the AVS at some point.

[@SmokeMonster]

That would be cool, but I think it's locked to the special modes that the SNt & MSg boot into. I'm not really sure how it works though, so who knows? :)

[@zizarami3270]

@@SmokeMonster Will Analogue give us solutions to connect the super nt and mega sg by using the DAC to both CRT and Hdmi TV : cables (audio to scart), hdmi switch, splitter... ?

[@orbitingdecay6797]

Well if the Analogue 8 - patent leak is actually a cheaper mini nt. Your payers have been answered. Hopefully it will be announced next month along with the analogue pocket.

[@Ragesauce]

Now that is some awesome reference quality!

[@steveothehulk]

Does anyone else think the 1080p graphics are just too blocky on a hd tv? When I play Aladdin on my super nt I can’t make out Aladdin’s face it’s just too blocky

[@matthewjohnson1891]

Anyone know if they are working on firmwarr updates to fix the colors on both mega and snt? Through component out, reds are too strong and sonic is too light of a blur with a magenta tint in te clouds, svideo is too unsaturated too. I notived mister had this problem and then was quickly fixed. Analogues have haf this for awhile now...

[@matthewjohnson1891]

Sorry guys, spelling......eesh

[@retrosoul8770]

So this ONLY works with analogs products?

[@elvistrentin]

Is there a way to buy this dac? Or someone selling it? Its out of stock

[@hdrgb]

Cool video. Was curious about the DAC with the Duo. I wish the cable connector were just scart out. You said you were using a Monoprice HD15 to scart cable. Can you link it?

[@fretboarder4752]

This is a crazy thing to buy when a super nintendo console can already give you RGB to a crt tv..pointless to buy a super nt then the DAC to use on a crt.. id rather use a real snes if i were going that route..

[@KidApoc]

If this allows the dithering feature to be used for the Mega Sg,this is a double win for me.

[@SmokeMonster]

Oh, I need to test that out on the CRT!

[@KidApoc]

SmokeMonster oh yes pleeeeeaase! I want to see proper Sonic the Hedgehog waterfalls. 🤗Thanks for being the first showcase this!

[@thanksbetotap]

SmokeMonster Any luck with it?

[@kennylauderdale_en]

Is that some Armitage III at the end there?

[@TheD0GGPOUND]

All i want now is SAVE STATES AND I'LL DIE HAPPY !!!!

[@Vanessaira-Retro]

Amazing review video! Now I want one.

[@SmokeMonster]

Thanks!

[@Jekdersnek]

Has anyone tried using the Analogue DAC with the mini SNES and Mega Drive? :D

[@SmokeMonster]

It only works with the Analogue consoles. It needs a signal from the SNt/MSg to get initialized and is pretty custom.

[@TheHobbsTV]

Well that's is a must but for me! Thanks for the review!!!

[@SmokeMonster]

Thanks. I can't wait to see it in some kind of shell when it goes on sale.

[@BlockABoots]

So basically the MiSter managed to do all this in more or less the same footprint as JUST the Analogue DAC for half the price of a Super NT and Analogue DAC, pretty incredible really

[@tenshin2002]

Less accurate, but sure. Would love a comparison video of the two at some point.

[@BlockABoots]

@@tenshin2002 Not sure where you got the less accurate info from, in fact if anything the Mister snes core is probably more accurate

[@tenshin2002]

@@BlockABoots Well, I wasnt aware the SNES core in MiSTer had advanced so much. Guess they are equally accurate as the Super NT has no issues on any games to my knowledge. I have been holding back on getting a MiSTer because SNES and Megadrive had issues with the cores, but it seems development is moving quickly. Will order one for sure!

[@SmokeMonster]

Kinda, but they are two totally different things and each has its own pros and cons.

[@tenshin2002]

@@SmokeMonster yeah, you can't play original cartridges on the MiSTer

[@SproutyPottedPlant]

Will this have the option to bring back the awesome, big PAL borders? I know i’m weird for wanting them but It’s just not the same without!

[@SmokeMonster]

Absolutely. If you boot a PAL game with the PAL switch set, it will be just like the original PAL experience.

[@gukid]

I noticed that the MiSTer project has recently added raw video via the hdmi port, which can then be converted to composite/component without needing the IO board. Is there any chance the output signal is similar enough to that of an Analogue console where this DAC could be used?

[@SuperNitroZ64]

So, does this mean we'll finally be able to play Sega 32X games on the Mega SG?

[@ootwii]

Notice he said ...Future analogue consoles...o my gosh...the hype is real.

[@HyperTriggerEx]

Gameboy I’m thinking

[@AJBats]

Will this accept HDMI output from a PC? Essentially making a CRT as a secondary monitor?

[@rolandbaron5813]

Question: to play sega 32x on the mega sg, is a dak needed? If so what specific cables as well? Thanks.

[@daschewie]

I wonder if the Analogue DAC will support automatic HDMI switchers.

[@MauricioCresti]

Good question!

[@FulllMetalJackett]

So a SCART cable for the MiSTer will work with this? It doesn't have to be one made specifically for it? Or the the Nt Mini? I have a Monoprice VGA to BNC cable already but using SCART would be much more convenient for my setup.

[@breathofthewild1749]

"and in the console's exact original timing" OKAY... that's all I needed to hear. Thanks.

[@skins4thewin]

Oh HELLS yea! It's about time! Only question now is when will it be available for purchase?

[@SmokeMonster]

No word yet, but I'll post an update when they announce the date and price.

[@ABOhiccups]

Does Analogue Consoles works with HDMI Splitter? 1 HDMI Output connects to HDTV and other HDMI Output connects to Analogue DAC.

[@3rdStrikeMike]

Awesome update! You always bring us the greatest in retro news!! Keep up the amazing work 👍👍

[@SmokeMonster]

Thanks, it's always a pleasure :D

[@skins4thewin]

So I think the one thing we are all wondering is if this will allow you to output in both HDMI and an Analog signal at the same time for game capture/streaming purposes? That would be dope!

[@SmokeMonster]

No, that's not possible.

[@RedArremer]

What are the two RCA jacks? Stereo audio?

[@SmokeMonster]

Yeah, those are stereo audio output.

[@RedArremer]

@@SmokeMonster You know what would be really awesome (though it may be too late in their dev): an optical output for digital audio. That way, you get CRT video with the audio hooked digitally into your amp system. That would kick some serious ass.

[@SmokeMonster]

@@RedArremer That would be really nice for capturing too!

[@shlomoraskin2393]

What does the FPGA on the DAC actually do ? If the new firmwares for the Super Nt and Mega Sg allow to output 240p timings through HDMI already, wouldn't a much simpler HDMI to analogue converter (like the $15 boxes recommend by Mike Chi) do the trick for those of us who just want component 15khz output ? Mike used those on the Retrotink 2x's passthrough output (so 240p as well).

[@SmokeMonster]

I'd be curious for a full technical walkthrough too. Hopefully one of the better/more technical KZbinrs will do something like that.

[@danieljimenez1989]

@@SmokeMonster I wrote a guide a while ago that's been used by many to get 240p component video from the hdmi out port of pretty much any video card (and 480i, too). It's great with retroarch, and anamorphic 1920x480i looks incredible in a nice crt set. Link: www.reddit.com/r/crtgaming/comments/awqolc/get_high_quality_240p_from_your_pc_to_your_tv/

[@johndee759]

Great video.

[@SmokeMonster]

Thanks!

[@danieljimenez1989]

for component output, is this any better than using a cheap hdmi-to-ypbpr adapter (the sort that can do 240p through custom resolutions)? will analogue be supporting those?

[@SmokeMonster]

Yeah, this bypasses the internal scaler so you get zero lag output which lets you use light guns.

[@KyoshoBallard]

Wait, this thing talks to Analogue's systems through the HDMI port? I'm guessing it doesn't do any downscaling, and the box is reporting itself to the console as some sort of 240p display. Man, that really sucks, if so. I was hoping this thing would be good for other systems. The various mini consoles and whatnot. Can you confirm that it does NOT work with other HDMI-outputting devices?

[@SmokeMonster]

I can confirm this.

[@KyoshoBallard]

@@SmokeMonster I am saddened by this news, but I'm glad I found out now before I might have bought the thing. Thanks, man.

[@orbitingdecay6797]

God what I wouldn't give for that transparent model. I have never seen them on ebay yet. Also - great work!

[@xminorthreatx]

B-roll in a SmokeMonster vid!?

[@SmokeMonster]

That's right, we now have b-roll, baby! :D

[@IceDelight]

Sorry, what Monoprice cable would I need to use this with Scart? I can't find anything on their site.

[@LordRythorn]

DAC looks ok, but I can't tell if the analog video output will be of adequate quality for us retrogaming communtity. Is the hdmi to RGB scart - Digital to analog - conversion decent enought to compare with a native real hardware of snes / sega mega drive consoles? I was hesitated to pick up a mega sg or a super nt analogue consoles because they lack a RGB video output for my CRT TVs. Maybe this is the right time?

[@SmokeMonster]

It's actually better than the real thing from what I can tell. Cleaner than what it looks like when I attach my best Genesis at least.

[@LordRythorn]

​@@SmokeMonster Both your setups are plugged in to a CRT TV? I use RGB video cables from retrogamingcables uk for all of my retro gaming consoles including my modded RGB bypass snes and sega mega drive consoles. Composite connection is not recommended.

[@SmokeMonster]

@@LordRythorn Yeah, I send RGB (RetroAccess cables) into a Sony PVM-2030 and 20L2.

[@LordRythorn]

I have my doubts about how the RGB video quality will look like. I use good quality consumer CRT tvs (I have five of them). I wonder why the mega sg and the super nt analogue consoles are much cheaper than nt mini console (500$). First the RGB video output was cut off to lower the production costs. Then, an additional DAC circuit board is advertised to fulfill retrogaming community expactations. I still have my doubts, I don’t see many youtube videos with the DAC connected with analogue consoles to a CRT tv setup. I have a feeling that we are in the middle of a massive CRT tv production. China already manufacture their own CRT TVs, but they lack the specs of the correct resolution, refresh rate etc to meet our retrogaming community requirements. I know in USA is very difficult to pick up a CRT TV, but here in Europe there are plenty of them in used condition.

[@coderkind]

Does it carry 5v over the d-sub connector? European TVs/monitors expect this when connecting over something like SCART.

[@SmokeMonster]

I think it must because my PVM requires 5V for SCART I believe, and it works great with it.

[@Jekdersnek]

Which cables did you use in this video? :)

[@SmokeMonster]

I'm using a VGA-to-SCART cable from Retro Access, the same one I use with MiSTer.

[@RetroTechSelect]

Very cool.

[@steveothehulk]

Does it require its own power source or is it powered from the console

[@pedrogase]

FUTURE CONSOLES? I NEED A ANALOG N64 NT PLEASE!

[@SmokeMonster]

I need this too :D

[@alynicholls3230]

@@SmokeMonsterwhat they did with megadrive/genesis but for pc engine/tg16 would be the nuts, and put the cd add-on connector too, like megadrive would answer all my prayers.

[@kamcma1]

Is slowed 60.00 an option with the DAC, or does it only do native 60.09881 (in the case of SNES)?

[@SmokeMonster]

It switches the consoles into a mode that outputs the exact timing for whatever system it's on SNES/Genesis.

[@nickabbott4411]

Just noticed your Nixie Tube Clock as well, reminded me to keep looking for one of those as they were out of stock when I wanted one before. Watching your channel is getting expensive...

[@RetroByLaw]

Any know if the super nt will get more cores like maybe the gba I would love that

[@auralynn3862]

TBH I'm just getting a Pocket, which will add a lot more value to the DAC as a bonus (since GBA doesn't have a CRT output unless you count Gamecube's Game Boy Player).

[@matthewjohnson1891]

Any clue on availability? Im afraid ill miss the notification and then they would be sold out just hours later. I check !y e!ail almost daily for it and the website.

[@matthewjohnson1891]

For the pocket i mean

[@blaarg2657]

Any reason why this couldn't run the 8 bit cores (NES, etc) as well? It's the only way it would make sense as a product a lot of people would buy.

[@Izquierda]

Because if they do that then they can't sell you an additional console for each of those cores. There's a reason why they won't re-release the NT Mini as it was.

[@blaarg2657]

@@Izquierda www.retrorgb.com/analogue-handheld-and-8-bit-trademark-leak.html I'm guessing this is the basis for both the Analogue pocket and the Analogue 8

[@Mikey_Vids]

If you have an hdmi splitter can you have the video run in both 1080p and on CRT simultaneously?

[@SmokeMonster]

No, because the SNt/MSg boot into a special mode when the DAC is attached that just sends out digital video in the console's native res/timing.

[@bigshrimpn]

YES!

[@TotallyGoodatGames]

Does the Analgoue DAC work with other HDMI sources or does it only work with the Mega Sg and Super Nt?

[@SmokeMonster]

It only works with the Super Nt, Mega Sg, and future Analogue products.

[@GameBoyGuru]

I’d be curious to know if you could use an HDMI splitter (1:2) to send the signal from the console both through the DAC on one, and to a capture card on the other, so you can play via CRT, but also capture or stream. That would make the DAC even more useful.

[@skins4thewin]

By the way, got any links to those Monoprice cables? Would really love to know exactly which ones to get as I'd like to go ahead and grab them now so I am prepared when the DAC launches.

[@SmokeMonster]

I don't have links to them all, but if you search Amazon or eBay for Monoprice VGA Component, or Monoprice VGA BNC, you'll find them. All of Monoprices cables are simple pass-throughs, so they're all good.

[@Michael-ur4nt]

So it looks like it has a single HDMI input and both the NT and SG have a single HDMI output. That means if I wanted to connect both consoles to the DAC to send a signal to my pvm, while also sending a signal to my oled, I would need a 2x2 switcher/splitter to receive both consoles and output to both TV's (the OLED and the DAC). Can anyone suggest a high quality 2x2 HDMI switcher/splitter for this purpose?

[@michaelsworkshop9031]

I get the impression from the video that this DAC requires support from the source device in order to work, and when supported, sends the data in a raw format over the HDMI connector in order for processing by the DAC directly. This would mean the only video output would be the analog format at the end of the DAC, so you would have to split and capture it at that end in order to do multiple simultaneous monitors (or do digital capture while also watching on an analog monitor). Someone will correct me if this is not what was intended to be conveyed by the video, but I just didn't get the impression this product is a general purpose DAC meant for all video devices (eg a reverse RetroTink 2x)..

[@nickabbott4411]

Sounds great! Was going to order a Super NT and Mega SG to ship to the UK but will wait for this and order them all together! Save on shipping but will cost more in import tax :-( but really want them! Hope they re-release the NT mini too!

[@brainbeatuk]

Hi you fancy ordering 2 dacs lol I'm in Manchester and then I pay bit extra towards ya tax cheaper for both maybe? I got a supernt contemplating an megasg with a megacd cart but would need to sell region free md1hd and megacd2 with all ntsc games backups cough and everdrive

[@nickabbott4411]

@@brainbeatuk If you're serious then we could sort something out yeah! Although with the release news of the analogue 8 and a hand held console there's something else to wait for now! Good times though for retro game players! Hopefully the 8 is the NES and 7 other consoles like the original NT with jailbroken firmware.

[@justinroundy9189]

Well this means I will be buying a super nt and mega sg as soon as I have money again.

[@justinroundy9189]

@Chris Taber I have an SNES and pvm. The ability to output to HDMI and to have a long term-stable device is appealing to me. This old hardware is going to kick the bucket at some point, and I don't just mean the pins will need replaced. Your cynicism is noted, though.

[@AccessDEANied]

nice, so the db15 outputs the same signals as the NT mini?

[@cosmickatamari]

Might sound stupid but worth it be worth getting on and run RGB scart instead of HDMI?

[@SmokeMonster]

That's what it does, feed analog RGB instead of HDMI

[@cosmickatamari]

@@SmokeMonster sorry man, wasn't fully there when posting. I meant to say instead of using HDMI on a flat panel. Like chaining the device to the DAC > RGB SCART to Hydra > Hydra to OSSC I know, it's way more steps and might not be worth it.

[@agentorange8530]

time to get a pvm

[@aaronsmith7967]

Can you plug in other HDMI devices like PS4??

[@SmokeMonster]

No, it only works with Analogue devices.

[@rickvince]

If you're going to use a CRT then just use the original console? No?

[@pandurlolgg5780]

Does it also work the other way around? Can I use old consoles on my HDTV with it?

[@SmokeMonster]

No, it doesn't work that way.

[@rafaelperales6104]

Will this work for modern Systems I see this worth owning if it does

[@SmokeMonster]

No, it only works with the Analogue Super Nt & Mega Sg, and their future products.

[@Vanpotheosis]

If you're gonna just play this thing on a crt then why would you buy it? Especially if you already have the original hardware.

[@tyler6644]

cool, but CRTs will likely all be dead by the time i am old or very expensive due to a low quantity of working ones so i am sticking with hdtvs for my mega sg and super nt I want more FPGA consoles by them, especially a new and cheaper NES

[@snintendog]

at the rate kevtris is going he might make a FPGA CRT just cause he felt like it./s

[@tomn1160]

Does it work the other way? Can I use this to run my dreamcast into hdmi?

[@SmokeMonster]

No, it just does the one thing.

[@tomn1160]

The one thing is still pretty fantastic, thank you for the reply. Going to order one now for my super nt. Also thank you for the jailbreak :)

[@AdrianDX]

Sooooo 32X?

[@MrLazenby007]

Is it confirmed that the DAC will output 240p?

[@SmokeMonster]

Yes, it's outputting 240p in this video.

[@christianumk3plus777]

I wonder if this device could work in the future with SEGA GENESIS MINI and PC-ENGINI MINI?

[@habibk.2423]

These guys are killin' it.

[@bri071001]

WIll this DAC support a connection to the 32x? In the Forbes review, the Analogue CEO mentions the DAC card: www.forbes.com/sites/olliebarder/2019/03/28/analogue-mega-sg-review-to-be-this-good-takes-ages/#4dc7594c652e

[@ivanminshull8056]

It will probably help with emulation to

[@broznar1019]

where can I purchase the dac

[@SmokeMonster]

The release date hasn't been announced yet.

[@broznar1019]

@@SmokeMonster can't wait! bought the super NT but my HD tv still produces lag, nothing like CRT in my book!

[@BennyBsolo]

Should be a great combo with the upcoming Analogue Pocket device.

[@neozeed1984]

VGA!?

[@SmokeMonster]

No VGA I'm told.

[@MH5tube]

@@SmokeMonster on page 7 of the DAC Reference Manual, it says "You can use any VGA-to-VGA cable or adapter with HD-15 Connectors on it. Note the gender of the connector’s input device. The VGA display or capture device must be able to support a 15KHz horizontal scan frequency, which is what 240p/480i consoles output. Typical VGA CRTs do not. You may also connect DAC to a display or capture device, such as a flat panel LCD, which has a DVI-A or DVI-I input connector with the appropriate cables or adapters. Not all devices with a DVI connector will support the 15KHz horizontal scan frequency which DAC provides." Sounds to me like VGA works just fine; the only hard part is finding a monitor that will actually accept the signal the DAC is sending.

[@sdekaar]

maybe it will works with other hdmi machine.

[@Nearest_Neighbor]

According to smokes twitter it won't since this isn't exactly a converter from HDMI to analog. It's getting raw data from the analouge consoles and not an HDMI signal. Hope I got it right.

[@sdekaar]

@@Nearest_Neighbor but i see on the pcb there are a hdmi input and vga/rgb output...or it's use a custom firmware who use hdmi for send raw data to the pcb. :|

[@d.g.3803]

With any converter there will always be lag

[@SmokeMonster]

The lag is essentially 3-4 pixels of a single line drawn, which is as close to zero as you can get pretty much.

[@WildVoltorb]

@@SmokeMonster Please do the lag test

[@1-up_Willy]

Does it work with MiSTer?

[@SmokeMonster]

No, it's pretty much only going to work with the special modes that Super Nt & Mega Sg boot into when the DAC is connected.

[@LuckyHit87]

I wish this could work with the AVS.. maybe a custom firmware? Hmm

[@Fattydeposit]

Seems like Retro-USB would need to know exactly how this worked and push out a firmware update to support it..

[@arthurcollector4002]

this have to be very cheap to make it worth

[@themcfaceman]

but why?? lmao

[@AdrianDX]

To play on CRTs?